ABSTRACT
Awareness of the challenges of life on board has increased. Using the current bibliography available and reviewing various books and articles, Carol-Dekker and Khan reflect on the psychosocial factors that affect seafarers. They conclude that stress/distress, multiculturalism, culture, language, gender diversity, insufficient interaction with family and friends, loneliness, and fatigue can have a negative impact on life on board ship. The chapter considers the relative weight of the different nationalities on board ship, in case a certain group becomes a source of influence that reduces the hierarchical authority of the vessel. The issue becomes more critical as crew sizes increase; the rise of the cruise ships fleet means more and more ships have large crews. The best advice that can be given to overcome the problems derived from multinational crews is to have knowledge of and empathy for different cultures, and to demonstrate respect for the different cultures.
